What is a common characteristic of osteosarcoma in both dogs and cats?

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive bone tumor commonly seen in both dogs and cats, and one of its hallmark features is its metastatic potential. This cancer can readily spread to various organs, particularly the lungs, even in the absence of detectable local disease progression. The aggressive nature of osteosarcoma means that it does not remain localized for long; metastasis often occurs early in the disease process, which impacts overall prognosis.

In contrast, the other characteristics listed do not apply to osteosarcoma in the same way. The tumor typically progresses rapidly rather than slowly, demonstrating invasive growth patterns as it invades surrounding tissues. Furthermore, osteosarcoma can occur in both the axial skeleton (such as the spine) and the appendicular skeleton (such as long bones); it is not limited to just one area. Understanding these characteristics is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment planning in both dogs and cats diagnosed with this malignancy.